KBKBKB

Thanks Colfax and BEAV, Colfax: The PARC 55 at a lower price and that is refundable is ok with me, it just wasn't a good deal to me from HOTWIRE because of my slight dislike of it. BEAV, you're right, almost all of the Expedia packages had refundable hotel stays. Is the leftover value from the plane ticket tied to the airline or Expedia? I looked at the breakdown and read about when to buy airline tickets and think I'll wait until April to make this purchase (if you disagree feel free to let me know, I'm still in learning mode for vacationing). The main advice I am basing that on is from Rick Seaney who says that 4 months before the trip is the best time to look at airfare based on looking at lots of data. Thanks for all your help! Kevin

Sweet!

I really can't tell which that is, but perhaps you could say its more likely to be the Hilton because that hotel has 1896 rooms to Nikko's 532 (though perhaps Hilton has an easier time selling theirs...) As far as I can tell this is a tough call to make. Remember to use betterbidding's Hotwire or PRICELINE links! Kevin

I believe Expedia's cancellation polciy is friendlier than the Hotwire and Priceline ones (see bottom of post). I think I have a good understanding of the quality-of-hotel per dollar vs. ease of cancellation for hotwire/priceline, traditional web travel agents (Expedia, Travelocity, etc.) and direct purchases from hotels/airlines. I'm going to mull this over a bit. I'm having fun with this game, thanks for all your help! Kevin Expedia's Vacation Package Cancellation Policy: "Different cancellation and change rules apply to each vacation package. Factors include whether a flight was purchased (and, if so, which flight); how many days prior to the departure you are attempting to make the change or cancellation; and which hotel, rental car, and/or attractions were included. Most vacation packages cannot be cancelled but can be changed for a $50 change fee, plus all additional supplier fees and penalties. If your vacation package includes a flight, keep in mind that most economy/coach class flights have an airline-imposed penalty fee of $150 or more per passenger for changes and cancellations, plus any applicable increase in the fare. Tickets are nonrefundable, but can be applied (for a limited time) toward future travel with a vacation package, less any applicable penalties."

What made you go with USW instead of USE?

I have not done plane tickets so I looked at Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz. Expedia seems to have some decent deals. They have good flight times on Frontier + Galleria Place for $826, Parc 55 for $854 per person, including taxes and fees. Assuming $350 (based on separate searches) for the flight and considering taxes and fees for the hotel to be 15% that would be about 103 per night for the GP, and 109 per night for the Parc 55. That's about the same as Hotwires $106, which could get me either the Parc 55 or Westin (which is slightly preferable to me). The question to me then becomes cancellation fees. I know I can't cancel Hotwire and I really don't plan on changing trip dates, but...life happens. Does anyone know much about Expedia's cancellation policy for the hotel/flight combos? Overanalysis! Kevin

I wouldn't mind trying PRICELINE for the first time. I think the upper limit is around 115 for those hotels.

I think USE is preferrable in general, I just like the Palomar itself. Are there many bad 4* hotels in USE that you happen to know of?

Thanks! What price in the range of $90 to $115 would you suggest I bid on Priceline? Kevin

This post has some discussion on that topic: http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?showtopic=36450&

Lovetotravelcheap, Hotwire is not tied to Tripadvisor; it has its own ratings so that is why there is a discrepancy. You're in the same boat as I am as far as guessing from these hotels: Westin Hyatt Parc 55 Palomar Since mine is recommended in 80% of reviews and yours in 90% of reviews I'd guess mine is either the Hyatt or Westin while yours is the Palomar. That's a guess based on guess though :) Remember to use the HOTWIRE link from betterbidding! KB

7 August to 15 August, 2 adults.

Given that it doesn't have a pool it might be the Vagabond Inn Executive SFO Airport. I haven't seen that on HOTWIRE, but its been on PRICELINE as 2 stars. Of the 12 hits for that area on tripadvisor (note, not the same exact area as HOTWIRE) it seems the most likely. Kevin

Betterbidding, My target: Union Square East, 4*, Amenities: Restaurant, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business Recommended in 80% of customer reviews $106 per night for August 2010 According to the boards the most likely possibilities are: Westin market street Grand Hyatt San Francisco Hotel Palomar San Francisco Parc 55 I'd be pleasantly surprised by the Palomar and unpleasantly surprised by the Parc 55. Does anyone know which of the 4 is most likely? The new calandar had a lot of Westin wins last August, but I'm not sure that's indicative of anything. I promise to use the betterbidding HOTWIRE link and post the hotel I get in return for your help! Kevin